How to Buy Gold Coins from the Government

Types

• Gold coins sold by the U.S. Mint feature different designs, many of them honoring classic issues. The American Buffalo1-ounce gold coin mimics the Buffalo nickel minted from 1913 to 1938 while the American Eagle 1-ounce gold coin takes its design from the $20 gold coin minted from 1907 to 1933. Many numismatists consider this one of the most beautiful coins ever produced.

Features

• The coins often come in a collector's hardwood box with a certificate of authenticity included. The mint strikes the coins in proof form, using special dies to make the highest-quality coin produced by the mint.

Potential

• Numismatists prize gold coins and the often-rising price of gold helps these coins maintain their value. The American Eagle issues were so popular that the mint could not produce any of the proof coins in 2009 due to a lack of 22-karat gold blanks.